Compression and tension reinforced wall

ABSTRACT

A reinforced building wall includes a foundation and an anchor rod anchored to the foundation; a first stud wall disposed above the foundation; the first stud wall having a first bottom plate, a first top plate and first and second vertical studs operably joined to the first bottom plate and the first top plate; a horizontal first bridge member disposed between the first stud and the second stud, the first bridge member having a first vertical opening; a rod post having one end operably connected to the anchor rod and operably connected to the first bridge member to transfer downward forces from the first bridge member and the second bridge member to the rod post; the anchor rod is attached to an anchor; and the anchor is disposed in an upper portion of the foundation.

RELATED APPLICATION

This is a divisional application of Nonprovisional application Ser. No.16/415,595, filed May 17, 2019, claiming the priority benefit ofProvisional Application Ser. No. 62/672,809, filed May 17, 2018, bothapplications being hereby incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is generally directed to reinforced building wallsdesigned to resist static and dynamic compression and tension forces.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Reinforced building walls using threaded rods anchored to the foundationare disclosed in the prior art. For example, see U56951078, U57762030,U58136318, U.S. Pat. No. 8,943,777, U59097000, U59097001, U59416530 andU59874009, hereby incorporated herein by reference. These walls aredesigned to hold the walls against tension loads or forces caused byearthquakes and/or high winds.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention discloses the use of rods as posts in buildingwall to transfer compression loads to the foundation. The presentinvention advantageously reduces the amount of material used in shearwalls. The present invention uses rods anchored to the foundation asposts, allowing compression forces to be shifted from the framingmembers to the rods, thereby reducing the number of framing members tocarry the same load.

Compression forces are both static and dynamic. Static compression comesfrom weight of the wall above. Dynamic compression comes from added loadwhen one corner of a shear wall is lifted, shifting load to the oppositecorner. Load on the wall comes from downward force in a particular placeof the building, wood beam load, etc. Short term duration loading comesfrom earthquake or high winds. Dynamic compression loading comes frommovement of the wall.

By using rods with larger diameter than typically used for holding downa wall for tension forces as when the wall is lifted up due toearthquakes or high winds, the same rods advantageously function asposts to provide a direct path to the foundation for compression forces.

The present invention provides a reinforced building wall, comprising afoundation and an anchor rod anchored to the foundation; a first studwall disposed above the foundation; the first stud wall having a firstbottom plate, a first top plate and first and second vertical studsoperably joined to the first bottom plate and the first top plate; ahorizontal first bridge member disposed between the first stud and thesecond stud, the first bridge member having a first vertical opening; arod post having one end operably connected to the anchor rod andoperably connected to the first bridge member to transfer downwardforces from the first bridge member and the second bridge member to therod post; the anchor rod is attached to an anchor; and the anchor isdisposed in an upper portion of the foundation.

The present invention also provides a reinforced building wall,comprising a foundation and an anchor rod anchored to the foundation; afirst stud wall disposed above the foundation; the first stud wallhaving a first bottom plate, a first top plate and first and secondvertical studs operably joined to the first bottom plate and the firsttop plate; a horizontal first bridge member disposed between the firststud and the second stud, the first bridge member having a firstvertical opening; a second stud wall disposed above the first stud wall;the second stud wall having a second bottom plate, a second top plateand third and fourth vertical studs operably joined to the second bottomplate and the second top plate; a horizontal second bridge memberdisposed between the third stud and the fourth stud, the second bridgemember having a second vertical opening; a rod post having one endoperably connected to the anchor rod and an opposite end received withinthe second vertical opening, the rod post extending through the firstvertical opening, the first top plate and the second bottom plate; andthe rod post is operably connected to the first bridge member and thesecond bridge member to transfer downward forces from the first bridgemember and the second bridge member to the rod post.

The present invention further provides a reinforced building wall,comprising a foundation and an anchor rod anchored to the foundation; afirst stud wall disposed above the foundation; the first stud wallhaving a first bottom plate, a first top plate and first and secondvertical studs operably joined to the first bottom plate and the firsttop plate; first floor joists supported by the first top plate; a firstsubfloor supported by the floor joists; a first horizontal compressionplate disposed between the first top plate and the first subfloor, thefirst horizontal compression plate having a first opening; a second studwall disposed above the first stud wall; the second stud wall having asecond bottom plate, a second top plate and third and fourth verticalstuds operably joined to the second bottom plate and the second topplate; second floor joists supported by the second top plate; a secondsubfloor supported by the second floor joists; a second horizontalcompression plate disposed between the second top plate and the secondsubfloor, the second horizontal compression plate having a secondopening; a rod post having one end operably connected to the anchor rodand an opposite end received within the second opening, the rod postextending through the first top plate, the first opening, the firstsubfloor and the second bottom plate; and the rod post is operablyconnected to the first compression plate and the second compressionplate to transfer downward forces from the first compression plate andthe second compression plate to the rod post.

The present invention also provides a reinforced building wall,comprising a foundation and an anchor rod anchored to the foundation; afirst stud wall disposed above the foundation; the first stud wallhaving a first bottom plate, a first top plate and first and secondvertical studs operably joined to the first bottom plate and the firsttop plate; a first horizontal bridge member disposed between the firststud and the second stud, the first horizontal bridge member having afirst vertical opening; a second stud wall disposed above the first studwall; the second stud wall having a second bottom plate, a second topplate and third and fourth vertical studs operably joined to the secondbottom plate and the second top plate; a second horizontal bridge memberdisposed between the third stud and the fourth stud, the secondhorizontal bridge member having a vertical second opening; a couplinghaving first threaded end and a second threaded end, the first threadedend being operably connected to the anchor rod, the second threaded endbearing on an underside of the first bridge member; a rod having one endoperably attached to the first threaded end and an opposite end receivedwithin the second opening, the rod extending through the first verticalopening, the first top plate and the second bottom plate; and the rodpost is operably connected to the second bridge member to transferdownward forces from the second bridge member to the rod post.

The present invention further provides a reinforced building wall,comprising a foundation and an anchor rod anchored to the foundation; afirst stud wall disposed above the foundation; the first stud wallhaving a first bottom plate, a first top plate and first and secondvertical studs operably joined to the first bottom plate and the firsttop plate; a second stud wall disposed above the first stud wall; thesecond stud wall having a second bottom plate, a second top plate andthird and fourth vertical studs operably joined to the second bottomplate and the second top plate; a first coupling having a first internalthreaded end and a second internal threaded end, the first internalthreaded end being operably connected to the anchor rod; a first rodextending through between the first stud wall and the second stud wall,the first rod having a first end and a second end, the first end isthreaded to the second internal threaded end; and a second couplingdisposed in the second stud wall, the second coupling having a thirdinternal threaded end and a fourth end, the third internal threaded endis connected to the second end of the rod, the fourth end is operablyconnected to the second stud wall.

The present invention also provides a reinforced building wall,comprising a foundation and an anchor rod anchored to the foundation; afirst stud wall disposed above the foundation; the first stud wallhaving a first bottom plate, a first top plate and first and secondvertical studs operably joined to the first bottom plate and the firsttop plate; a horizontal first bridge member disposed between the firststud and the second stud, the first bridge member having a verticalfirst opening; a second stud wall disposed above the first stud wall;the second stud wall having a second bottom plate, a second top plateand third and fourth vertical studs operably joined to the second bottomplate and the second top plate; a horizontal second bridge memberdisposed between the third stud and the fourth stud, the second bridgemember having a vertical second opening; a first coupling having a firstinternal threaded end and a second internal threaded end, the firstinternal threaded end being operably connected to the anchor rod, thesecond internal threaded end bearing on a bottom of the first bridgemember; a first rod extending through the first opening, the threadedrod having a third end and a fourth end, the third end is connected tothe second internal threaded end; a second coupling having a fifthinternal threaded end and a sixth internal threaded end, the fifthinternal threaded end is connected to the fourth end, the fifth internalthreaded end bearing on top of the first bridge member; a second rodhaving a seventh end and a eighth end, the seventh end is connected tothe sixth threaded end one end and the eight end is received in thesecond opening, the second rod extending through the first top plate andthe second bottom plate; and a nut threaded to the second rod andoperably bearing on a bottom of the second bridge member fortransferring downward forces from the first bridge member to the secondrod.

The present invention further provides a reinforced building wall,comprising a foundation and an anchor rod anchored to the foundation; afirst stud wall disposed above the foundation; the first stud wallhaving a first bottom plate, a first top plate and first and secondvertical studs operably joined to the first bottom plate and the firsttop plate; a horizontal first bridge member disposed between the firststud and the second stud, the first bridge member having a verticalfirst opening; a second stud wall disposed above the first stud wall;the second stud wall having a second bottom plate, a second top plateand third and fourth vertical studs operably joined to the second bottomplate and the second top plate; a first coupling having a first internalthreaded end and a second internal threaded end, the first internalthreaded end being operably connected to the anchor rod, the secondinternal threaded end bearing on a bottom of the first bridge member; aheadless bolt extending into the first opening, the threaded rod havinga third end and a fourth end, the third end is connected to the secondinternal threaded end; a second coupling having a fifth internalthreaded end and a sixth internal threaded end, the fifth internalthreaded end is connected to the fourth end, the fifth internal threadedend is disposed inside the first vertical opening, the fifth internalthreaded end bearing on top of the first coupling; and a second rodhaving a seventh end and a eighth end, the seventh end is connected tothe sixth threaded end one end and the eight end is operably attached tothe second stud wall.

The present invention also provides a reinforced building wall,comprising a foundation and an anchor rod anchored to the foundation; afirst stud wall disposed above the foundation; the first stud wallhaving a first bottom plate, a first top plate and first and secondvertical studs operably joined to the first bottom plate and the firsttop plate; a horizontal bridge member disposed between the first studand the second stud; and a rod post having a first end and a second end,the first end is operably connected to the anchor rod, the second end isoperably connected to the bridge member to transfer downward forces fromthe bridge member to the rod post.

The present invention further provides a reinforced building wall,comprising a foundation and an anchor rod anchored to the foundation; afirst stud wall disposed above the foundation; the first stud wallhaving a first bottom plate, a first top plate and first and secondvertical studs operably joined to the first bottom plate and the firsttop plate; a second stud wall disposed above the first stud wall; thesecond stud wall having a second bottom plate, a second top plate andthird and fourth vertical studs operably joined to the second bottomplate and the second top plate; a horizontal bridge member disposedbetween the third stud and the fourth stud, the bridge member having athreaded vertical opening; and a rod post having one end operablyconnected to the anchor rod and an opposite end threaded to the threadedvertical opening of the bridge member to transfer downward forces fromthe bridge member to the rod post.

The present invention also provides a reinforced building wall,comprising a foundation and an anchor rod anchored to the foundation; afirst stud wall disposed above the foundation; the first stud wallhaving a first bottom plate, a first top plate and first and secondvertical studs operably joined to the first bottom plate and the firsttop plate; floor joists supported by the first top plate; a subfloorsupported by the floor joists; a second stud wall disposed above thefirst stud wall; the second stud wall having a second bottom plate, asecond top plate and third and fourth vertical studs operably joined tothe second bottom plate and the second top plate; a compression platebearing on an underside of the subfloor, the compression plate having athreaded opening; and a rod post having one end operably connected tothe anchor rod and an opposite end threaded to the threaded opening ofthe compression plate to transfer downward forces from the compressionplate to the rod post.

The present invention further provides a reinforced building wall,comprising a foundation and an anchor rod anchored to the foundation; afirst stud wall disposed above the foundation; the first stud wallhaving a first bottom plate, a first top plate and first and secondvertical studs operably joined to the first bottom plate and the firsttop plate; a second stud wall disposed above the first stud wall; thesecond stud wall having a second bottom plate, a second top plate andthird and fourth vertical studs extending between the second bottomplate and the second top plate, the third and fourth studs having bottomends; a compression plate having an opening and disposed on the secondbottom plate, the bottom ends of the third and fourth studs bearing onthe compression plate; and a rod post having one end operably connectedto the anchor rod and an opposite end operably connected to the openingof the compression plate to transfer downward forces from thecompression plate to the rod post.

The present invention further provides a reinforced building wall,comprising a foundation and an anchor rod anchored to the foundation; afirst stud wall disposed above the foundation; the first stud wallhaving a first bottom plate, a first top plate and first and secondvertical studs operably joined to the first bottom plate and the firsttop plate; a second stud wall disposed above the first stud wall; thesecond stud wall having a second bottom plate, a second top plate andthird and fourth vertical studs extending between the second bottomplate and the second top plate, the third and fourth studs having bottomends; a third stud wall disposed above the second stud wall; the thirdstud wall having a third bottom plate, a third top plate and fifth andsixth vertical studs operably joined to the third bottom plate and thethird top plate; a compression plate having a first opening and disposedon the second bottom plate, the bottom ends of the third and fourthstuds bearing on the compression plate; a bridge member disposed on thethird bottom plate, the bridge member having a second opening; and a rodpost extending through the first opening of the compression plate, therod post having one end operably connected to the anchor rod and anopposite end operably connected to the second opening of the bridgemember to transfer downward forces from the bridge member to the rodpost.

The present invention also provides a reinforced building wall,comprising a stud wall disposed above a foundation; the stud wall havinga bottom plate, a top plate and first and second vertical studs operablyjoined to the bottom plate and the top plate; a compression platebearing on an underside of the top plate, the compression plate isdisposed between the first stud and the second stud, the compressionplate having an opening; and a rod post having one end operably anchoredto the foundation and an opposite end operably attached to thecompression plate to transfer downward forces from the compression plateto the rod post.

The present invention further provides a reinforced building wall,comprising a foundation; a first stud wall disposed above thefoundation; the first stud wall having a first bottom plate, a first topplate and first and second vertical studs operably joined to the bottomplate and the top plate; a horizontal first bridge member disposedbetween the first stud and the second stud; and a first rod post havinga first end and a second end, the first end bears directly on thefoundation, the second end is operably connected to the bridge member totransfer downward forces from the bridge member to the first rod post.

The present invention further provides a reinforced building wall,comprising a foundation and an anchor rod anchored to the foundation; afirst stud wall disposed above the foundation; the first stud wallhaving a first bottom plate, a first top plate and first and secondvertical studs operably joined to the first bottom plate and the firsttop plate; a horizontal bridge member disposed between the first studand the second stud, a vertical opening extending from top to bottom ofthe bridge member; a cylindrical body disposed in the vertical openingwith a first threaded end extending past the top and a second threadedend extending past the bottom of the bridge member, the cylindrical bodyincluding a central opening; a first bearing plate with a first threadedopening threaded to the first threaded end to bear on the top of thebridge member; a second bearing plate with a second threaded openingthreaded to the second threaded end to bear on the bottom of the bridgemember; and a first rod post having a first end and a second end, thefirst end is operably connected to the anchor rod, the second end isoperably attached to the cylindrical body.

The present invention further provides a reinforced building wall,comprising a foundation and an anchor rod anchored to the foundation; afirst stud wall disposed above the foundation; the first stud wallhaving a first bottom plate, a first top plate and first and secondvertical studs operably joined to the first bottom plate and the firsttop plate; first floor joists supported by the first top plate; a firstsubfloor supported by the first floor joists; a first horizontal bridgemember disposed between the first top plate and the first subfloor, thefirst horizontal bridge member having a first opening, the first bridgemember extending between the first top plate and the first subfloor; anda rod post is operably connected to the anchor rod and the first bridgemember to transfer downward forces from the first bridge member to therod post.

The present invention further provides a reinforced building wall,comprising a foundation and an anchor rod anchored to the foundation; afirst stud wall disposed above the foundation; the first stud wallhaving a first bottom plate, a first top plate and first and secondvertical studs operably joined to the first bottom plate and the firsttop plate; first floor joists supported by the first top plate; a firstsubfloor supported by the first floor joists; a first horizontal bridgemember disposed between the first top plate and the first subfloor, thefirst horizontal bridge member having a first opening, the first bridgemember extending between the first top plate and the first subfloor; afirst cylindrical body disposed in the first opening with a first endextending past a top and a second end extending past a bottom of thefirst horizontal bridge member, the first end including a first exteriorthread and a first threaded bore, the second end including a secondexterior thread and a second threaded bore; a first bearing plate with afirst threaded opening threaded to the first exterior thread end to bearon the top of the first horizontal bridge member; a second bearing platewith a second threaded opening threaded to the second exterior thread tobear on the bottom of the first horizontal bridge member; and a rod postis operably connected to the anchor rod and the second bore to transferdownward forces from the first bridge member to the rod post.

The present invention also provides a reinforced building wall,comprising a foundation and an anchor rod anchored to the foundation; afirst stud wall disposed above the foundation; the first stud wallhaving a first bottom plate, a first top plate and first and secondvertical studs operably joined to the first bottom plate and the firsttop plate; first floor joists supported by the first top plate; a firstsubfloor supported by the first floor joists; a first cylindrical bodydisposed between the first top plate and the first subfloor; and a rodpost is operably connected to the anchor rod and threaded to the firstcentral opening.

The present invention further provides a reinforced building wall,comprising a foundation and an anchor rod anchored to the foundation; afirst stud wall disposed above the foundation; the first stud wallhaving a first bottom plate, a first top plate and first and secondvertical studs operably joined to the first bottom plate and the firsttop plate; a cross-laminated timber (CLT) floor panel supported by thefirst top plate; a second stud wall disposed above the first stud wall;the second stud wall having a second bottom plate supported by the CLTfloor panel, a second top plate and third and fourth vertical studsoperably joined to the second bottom plate and the second top plate; afirst cylindrical body disposed between the first top plate and thesecond bottom plate, the first cylindrical body extending through theCLT floor panel, the first cylindrical body including a first centralopening with a first threaded portion; the first cylindrical bodyincluding a first threaded end and a second threaded end; a firstbearing plate with a first threaded opening threaded to the firstthreaded end to bear against the CLT floor panel; a second bearing platewith a second threaded opening threaded to the second threaded end tobear against the CLT floor panel; and a rod post operably connected tothe anchor rod and threaded to the first central opening.

The present invention also provides a reinforced building wall,comprising a foundation and an anchor rod anchored to the foundation; afirst stud wall disposed above the foundation; the first stud wallhaving a first bottom plate, a first top plate and first and secondvertical studs operably joined to the first bottom plate and the firsttop plate; a cross-laminated timber (CLT) floor panel supported by thefirst top plate; a second stud wall disposed above the first stud wall;the second stud wall having a second bottom plate supported by the CLTfloor panel, a second top plate and third and fourth vertical studsoperably joined to the second bottom plate and the second top plate; abody embedded in the CLT floor panel, the body including a threadedopening; and a rod post operably connected to the anchor rod andthreaded to the threaded opening of the body.

The present invention also provides a reinforced building wall,comprising a foundation and an anchor rod anchored to the foundation; afirst stud wall disposed above the foundation; the first stud wallhaving a first bottom plate, a first top plate and first and secondvertical studs operably joined to the first bottom plate and the firsttop plate; a cross-laminated timber (CLT) floor panel supported by thefirst top plate; a second stud wall disposed above the first stud wall;the second stud wall having a second bottom plate supported by the CLTfloor panel, a second top plate and third and fourth vertical studsoperably joined to the second bottom plate and the second top plate; afirst body bearing on the second bottom plate, the body including afirst threaded opening; a rod post operably connected to the anchor rodand extending through the top plate, the CLT floor panel and the secondbottom plate, the rod post is threaded to the threaded opening of thebody; a second body including a second threaded opening threaded to therod post to bear on an underside of the first top plate.

The present invention further provides a building wall, comprising afoundation made of a wood beam; studs extending upwardly from the woodbeam; and a metal post having a bottom end operably bearing on the woodbeam to transfer compression forces from the metal post to the woodbeam.

The present invention also provide a building wall, comprising afoundation made of a wood beam having a first opening extending from atop surface to a bottom surface of the wood beam; studs extendingupwardly from the wood beam; a first bearing plate disposed on a topsurface of the wood beam, the first bearing plate including a secondopening; a second bearing plate disposed on a bottom surface of the woodbeam, the second bearing plate including a third opening; a rod postincluding a bottom end portion extending through the first opening, thesecond opening and the third opening; and the rod post is operablyattached to the first bearing plate and the second bearing plate totransfer compression forces and tension forces from the rod post to thewood beam.

The present invention further provides a building wall, comprising afoundation made of a wood beam having a first opening extending from atop surface to a bottom surface of the wood beam; studs extendingupwardly from the wood beam; a bearing plate disposed on a bottomsurface of the wood beam, the bearing plate including a second opening;the rod post includes a first diameter and the bottom end portion of therod post includes a second diameter smaller than the first diameter; therod post includes a shoulder at a juncture where the bottom end portionwith the second diameter meets the rod post with the first diameter; thebottom end portion extending through the first opening and the secondopening, with the shoulder bearing on a top surface of the wood beam;and the second opening is threaded to the bottom end portion to bear ona bottom surface of the wood beam.

The present invention provides a building wall, comprising a foundationmade of a steel beam including a first flange and a second flangedjoined together by a web; a stud wall above the steel beam, the studwall including a base plate disposed on the first flange; and a rod posthaving a bottom end portion extending through the bottom plate andbearing on the first flange.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIGS. 1-62 show several embodiments of attaching a bridge member to thebuilding wall to transfer compression loads or forces directly to thefoundation via a rod post.

FIGS. 63-174 show various embodiments of connections of a rod post tothe bridge member.

FIGS. 175-192 show connections of a rod post to a wood beam foundation.

FIGS. 193-210 show connections of a rod post to a metal beam foundation.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring to FIG. 1 , a shear wall 2 supported incorporating the presentinvention is disclosed. The shear wall 2 forms a part of a building. Thewall 2 is shown is a 3-story wall, comprising a lower wall 3, a middlewall 5 and an upper wall 7. It should be understood that the wall 2 maybe more or less than 3 stories, where the middle wall 5 may be made ofone or more walls above the lower wall 3 and below the upper wall 7.

The wall 2 is supported on a concrete foundation 4. It should beunderstood that the foundation 4 can also be a steel I-beam, wood beam,concrete slab, or a concrete wall that is directly or indirectlyanchored to the ground. The wall 2 is made of vertical studs 6, whichmay be wood or metal. Wall sheathing 8 is operably attached to the studs6, such as with nails or screws. The studs 6 are operably attached torespective horizontal bottom plates 12 and horizontal top plates 14.Floor joists 16 are supported on the respective top plates 14. Subfloors36 are supported by respective floor joists 16. Subfloors 36 aretypically made of plywood sheets laid out over the floor joists 16.

An anchor 18 is embedded in concrete in the foundation 4 in the upperportion of the foundation 4. Depending on the size of the foundation 4,the anchor 18 may be able to handle both compression and tension forceswith the appropriate location of the anchor 18 within the foundation 4.For example, if the anchor 18 is located in the upper portion of thefoundation 4, the anchor 18 will be able to handle compression forcesthrough the shear cone 19. If the anchor 18 is located deeper into thefoundation 4, the anchor 18 will be able to handle both compression andtension forces through the shear cones 19 and 65 (see FIG. 27 ).

The anchor 18 may be a standard nut, a metal plate, a cylindrical body,or any of the anchors disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 8,943,777, 9,097,001,9,222,251, 9,416,530, 9,447,574, 9,702,139, 9,874,009, herebyincorporated herein by reference. The location of the anchor near thetop of the foundation 4 advantageously provides a larger shear cone 19as compared to a location of the anchor 18 toward the bottom of thefoundation 4. The shear cone 19 is generated when the anchor 18 issubjected to compression loading from the wall 2. Further discussion ofshear cones may be found, for example, in U.S. Pat. No. 8,943,777, andapplication Ser. No. 15/429,345, filed Feb. 10, 2017, both of which arehereby incorporated herein by reference.

A rod post 20 is operably attached to an anchor rod 21 with a coupling22. The anchor rod 21 is operably attached to the anchor 18. The rodpost 20 extends through openings in the compression bridge members 26and through openings in the top plates 14 of the lower wall 3 and thebottom plate 12 of the middle wall 5. The rod post 20 may be threaded orunthreaded (except where needed as disclosed herein), as shown in thevarious drawings herein, of sufficient diameter, such as 2 inches ormore, to prevent bowing or bending from compression loads. The rod post20 is advantageously connected directly to the foundation 4 to provide adirect path for the loads to the foundation.

The diameter of the rod post 20 may change from floor to floor,depending on the number of walls being supported above each wall. Forexample, for the lower wall 3, the diameter of the rod post below thebridge member may be larger than the diameter of the rod post above.Coupling a larger diameter rod post to a smaller diameter is disclosedherein.

The openings through the bridge members 26 may be threaded orunthreaded. One compression bridge member is disposed in the lower wall3 and the other compression bridge member 26 in the middle wall 5. Thecompression bridge members may be made of sawn lumber, engineered wood,metal, plastic, etc. The compression bridge members 26 are designed totransfer loading from the wall 2 to the rod post 20 and thence to theanchor 18 and the foundation 4. Where the openings in the compressionbridge members are unthreaded, nuts 24 disposed below the bridge memberand threaded to the rod post 20 advantageously transfer the compressionor downward forces from the compression bridge members 26 to the rodpost 20. Where the openings in the compression bridge members areunthreaded, nuts 24 disposed above the bridge member and threaded to therod post 20 advantageously transfer the tension or upward forces fromthe compression bridge members 26 to the rod post 20. Where the openingsare threaded and the rod post is threaded to the openings, the threadedconnection between the bridge member and the rod post advantageouslytransfer the compression or downward forces or the tension forces orupward from the bridge member to the rod post 20 without the use of thenuts 24. The nuts 24 may be any metal body with a threaded hole, such asthe threaded metal plate 228 shown, for example, in FIG. 147 , or acircular metal plate 298 shown, for example, in FIG. 154 .

Trimmer studs 28 extend from the underside of the respective bridgemembers 26 to the respective bottom plates 12 and from the top of therespective bridge members 26 to the respective top plates 14.Compression and tension forces in the wall 2 are advantageouslytransferred to the compression bridge members 26 from the studs 6 andtrimmer studs 28. The trimmer studs 28 in the lower wall 3 arepreferably doubled to advantageously provide a larger bearing surface 27for the bridge member 26 to handle the expected larger loading fromcompression and tension forces at this location. The trimmer studs 28 inthe middle wall 5 are preferably single to handle the reduced loading atthat location. The bridge members 26 may also be attached directly tothe studs 6, as will be disclosed herein. The studs 6 and the trimmerstuds 28 with ends bearing on the bridge members 26 advantageouslytransfer compression or tension forces from the wall 2 to the bridgemembers 26. Connecting the bridge members 26 fixedly to the rod post 20with the nuts 24 or the threaded connection advantageously transfer thecompression or tension forces to the rod post 20 and thence to thefoundation 4.

Compression or downward forces 30 are due to wall weight, shifting orracking of the wall 2 at the opposite end caused by earthquake or highwinds. Tension or upward forces 31 are due to lifting of the wall 2 fromearthquake or high winds.

Referring to FIG. 2 , the wall 2 is shown with a cross-laminated timber(CLT) floor panel 32. CLT is discussed in application Ser. No.16/296,865, filed Mar. 8, 2019 and Provisional Application Ser. No.62/800,966, filed Feb. 4, 2019, both of which are hereby incorporatedherein by reference. The rod post 20 extends through an opening in theCLT floor panel 32.

The CLT floor panel 32 is lightweight yet very strong, with superioracoustic, fire, seismic, and thermal performance, proving to be a highlyadvantageous alternative to conventional materials like concrete,masonry, or steel, especially in multi-family and commercialconstruction. Finished CLT panels are typically 2 to 10 feet wide, withlengths up to 60 feet and thickness up to 20 inches. Widths up to 18feet and lengths up to 98 feet are possible. For additional information,see, for example, https://www.apawood.org/cross-laminated-timer, herebyincorporated herein by reference.

Wood posts 34 replace some of the trimmer studs 28 at the far end of thewall 2. The use of the posts 34 advantageously provides greater loadcapacity for compression and tension loads. The wood posts 34 in thelower wall 3 extend from the underside of the bridge member 26 to thebottom plates 12 and from the top of the bridge member 26 to the topplates 14. The wood post 34 in the middle wall 5 includes a slot 35 forreceiving an end portion of the bridge member 26. The wood posts 34 aretypically 4×4, 4×6 or 6×6 inches, while the studs 6 or the trimmer studs26 are typically 2×4 or 2×6 inches.

Referring to FIG. 3 , a subfloor 36 in place of the CLT floor panel 32is disposed between the respective top plates 14 and the respectivebottom plates 12. Floor joists (not shown) are secured to otherstructural portions of the building.

Referring to FIG. 4 , a compression plate 38 is disposed between thebottom plate 12 and the bottom ends of the studs 6 and the trimmer studs28. Compression plates are disclosed in application Ser. No. 16/296,865,filed Mar. 8, 2019, which is a nonprovisional of Provisional ApplicationSer. No. 62/641,142, filed Mar. 9, 2018, both of which are herebyincorporated herein by reference. The compression plate 38 isadvantageously harder than the bottom plate 12 to spread the forces fromthe studs 6 and the trimmer studs 28 over a larger area on the bottomplate 12 to minimize crushing of the bottom plate 12. The compressionplate 38 may be made of a harder species of wood than the bottom plate12. The compression plate 38 may also be made of engineered wood, metal,plastic.

Referring to FIG. 5 , the compression plate 38 and the bottom plate 12may include openings in which inserts 40 may be placed to directlytransfer the compression load from the studs to the foundation 4. Theinserts 40 may be made of material with compressive strength greaterthan the compressive strength of the studs 6 or the trimmer studs 28,such as metal, plastic, engineered wood, hardwood, etc.

Referring to FIGS. 6 and 7 , the bridge member 26 in the lower wall 3 issupported in the rod post 20 by a nut 24. A compression block 41, madeof the same material as the bridge member 26, has a threaded opening 43for threadedly receiving the anchor rod 21. Compression forces from therod post 20 are transferred to the compression block 41, which spreadsthe forces over the bottom plate 12. The compression forces are alsotransferred to the anchor 18 and the foundation 4. No trimmer studs aredisposed below the bridge member 26, since the nut 24 provides the loadtransfer from the bridge member 26 to the rod post 20. The bridge member26 may be nailed or screwed to the studs 6.

The anchor 18 is preferably embedded in the upper portion of thefoundation 4 to generate a larger shear cone 19 for compression forces.The anchor 18 may be located below the top surface of the foundation 4.The anchor 18 may also be flush with the top surface of the foundation 4so that the bottom plate 12 can lay flat on the foundation 4. The anchor18 is advantageously threaded to the anchor rod 21 transfer thecompression forces from the rod post 20 to the foundation 4. The nut 24underneath the anchor 18 advantageously provides a stop to properlyposition the anchor 18 on the anchor rod 21 so that the requirementamount of thread is engaged with the anchor 18. A checker nut asdisclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 8,806,835, hereby incorporated herein byreference may also be used instead of a standard nut.

Referring to FIG. 8 , the bridge member 26 in the lower wall 3 may bemade of wood of the same species as the studs 6, in which casecompression plates 38 are disposed below and above the bridge member 26to advantageously increase the compressive capacity of the bridge member26. The trimmer studs 28 extend from the top of the upper compressionplate 38 to the underside of the top plate 14 to advantageously transfercompression forces from the wall to the upper compression plate 38 andthe bridge member 26. The compression plates 38 are preferably as longand as deep as the bridge members 26

Referring to FIG. 9 , a bridge member 44 made of engineered woodreplaces the bridge member 26 in the lower wall 3 as shown in FIG. 8 . Acompression plate 38 is disposed on the bottom surface of the bridgemember 44 to advantageously spread the compression forces on the nut 24.The bridge member 44 may be attached to the studs 6 with screws ornails. The rod post 20 extends through a hole in the bridge member 44.

Referring to FIG. 10 , the bridge members 26 are disposed directlyunderneath the respective top plates 14 of the lower wall 3, the middlewall 5 and the upper wall 7. Compression loading from the wall istransferred from the respective top plates 14 to the respective bridgemembers 26 to the rod post 20 and thence to the foundation 4 via theanchor 18. The bridge members 26 and the rod post 20 advantageouslyprovide a direct path for the compression forces to the foundation 4.

Referring to FIG. 11 , the CLT floor panels 32 are disposed between therespective bottom plates 12 and the respective top plates 14. The rodpost 20 extends through respective openings in the CLT floor panels 32.

Referring to FIG. 12 , a subfloor 36 in place of the CLT floor panel 32is disposed between the respective top plates 14 and the respectivebottom plates 12. Floor joists (not shown) are secured to otherstructural portions of the building.

Referring to FIGS. 13 and 14 , compression plates 46 are disposeddirectly below the subfloor 36 in the lower wall 3 and the middle wall5. Blocking members 48 are disposed between the respective compressionplates 46 and the top plates 14. The compression plates 46 are fullysupported by the respective blocking members 48. Compression forces aretransferred to the nuts 24 and thence to the rod post 20. The blockingmembers 48 advantageously transfer some of the compression forces on thecompression plate 46 to the studs 6.

Referring to FIGS. 15 and 16 , a compression bridge member 50, I-shapedas an I-beam and made of solid metal, is disposed on the bottom plate 12of the upper wall 7. The bridge member 50 has a threaded hole 51threadedly attached to the rod post 20. The threaded attachmentadvantageously provides for the transfer of compression forces directlyto the rod post 20. The bottom ends of the studs 6 bear on the top sideof the bridge member 50. Since the bridge member 50 has greatercompressive strength than the studs 6 and the top plate 12, compressiveforces are spread over a larger area than the actual footprint of thebottom ends of the studs 6, thereby to minimize crushing the bottomplate 12. The compression bridge member 50 is shown in detail in FIGS.54 and 55 .

The compression plate 38 in the middle wall 5 provides the same functionas the bridge member 50. A nut (not shown but see FIG. 18 for the nutengaging the underside of the bridge member 52) threaded to the rod post20 and engaging the underside of the compression plate 38 advantageouslytransfers compression loading on the compression plate 38 directly tothe rod post 20. The rod post 20 extends through an unthreaded hole inthe compression plate 38 to advantageously isolate the compressionloading on the compression plate 38 from wall. The anchor 18 would belocated at an appropriate depth within the foundation 4 to handle bothcompression and tension forces or another anchor 56 (see FIG. 27 ) maybe added and located at an appropriate depth to handle tension forces.

Referring to FIGS. 17 and 18 , the compression bridge member 50 ismodified as bridge member 52 with an unthreaded hole 53. The nut 24connects the bridge member 52 to the rod post 20. An opening 55 in thebottom plate 12 and the subfloor 36 allows the nut 24 to reach thebottom of the bridge member 52.

Referring to FIG. 19 , a compression plate 54 made of solid metal isdisposed on the bottom plate 12 with a threaded opening 57 forthreadedly receiving the rod post 20. The compression plate 54advantageously allows the transfer of compression (downward direction)or tension (upward direction) forces to the rod post 20 and thence tothe foundation 4. The compression plate 54 advantageously spreads thecompression forces at the bottom ends of the studs 6 over a larger areaon the bottom plate 12.

The coupling 22 includes an inspection opening 59 preferably disposedhalfway between the opposite ends of the coupling. The inspectionopening 59 advantageously provides a visual check on the engagement ofthe end surfaces 61 of the rod posts 20 at the halfway point inside thecoupling. This insures that the rod posts 20 are sufficiently attachedto the coupling 22. The coupling 22 may have hexagonal outside surfacesto advantageously facilitate the use of a wrench or similar tool in theinstallation of the coupling.

Referring to FIG. 20 , one end 49 of the compression plate 54 is longerthan a stud bay defined by the distance or space between the twooutermost studs 6. The compression plate 54 extends outside the stud baypast the second stud 6 to advantageously allow the compression forcesfrom the stud 6 bearing at that end to be spread over a larger area onthe bottom plate 12. This is further discussed in co-pending applicationSer. No. 16/296,865, hereby incorporated herein by reference. A stud bayis a distance or space between two outermost studs, typically 16 inchesapart.

Referring to FIG. 21 , the compression plate 38 has an unthreadedopening 63. Nuts 24 above and below the compression plate 38 attach thecompression plate to the rod post 20. The opening 55 in the bottom plate12 and the subfloor 36 advantageously provides room for the lower nut 24to directly engage the bottom of the compression plate 38.

Referring to FIG. 22 , one end 47 of the compression plate 38 extendsoutside the stud bay past the stud 6 to advantageously allow thecompression forces from the stud 6 bearing at that end to be spread overa larger area on the bottom plate 12, as is the case with the end 49 inFIG. 20 .

Referring to FIGS. 23, 24A and 24B, bridge members 26 are disposedagainst the respective top plates 14 in the lower wall 3 and the middlewall 5. The bridge members 26 have unthreaded openings through which therod post 20 extends. Nuts 24 hold the respective bridge members 26 tothe rod post 20 and provide transfer of the compression forces from thebridge members 26 to the rod post 20. Compression plates 38 are disposedon the respective bottom plates 12 in the middle wall 5 and the upperwall 7. The bottom ends of the trimmer studs 28 bear on the compressionplates 38 disposed on the bottom plates 12.

A compression plate 38 is also attached to the top plate 14 in the upperwall 7. A nut 24 holds the compression plate 38 against the top plate 14and to the rod post 20 so that compression forces from the wall istransferred to the compression plate 38 and the rod post 20. Thecompression plate 38 is supported by the top ends of the trimmer studs28. The compression plate 38 has an unthreaded opening 63 through whichthe rod post 20 extends. Compression forces from the trimmer studs 28pass through the compression plate 38 but are not transferred to the rodpost 20 due to lack of connection between the compression plate 38 andthe rod post 20 provided by the unthreaded opening 63, as shown in FIG.24A.

The bridge member 26 in the middle wall 5 is supported by the top endsof the trimmer studs 28. The compression plate 38 connects with the rodpost 20 with the nut 24 in the opening 55, as shown in FIG. 24B. The nut24 serves to transfer the compression loading from the compression plate38 to the rod post 20.

Referring to FIGS. 25 and 26A, the compression plate 38 on the bottomplates 12 in the upper wall 7 is attached to the rod post 20 via thenuts 24, as shown in FIG. 26A. The opening 63 is unthreaded so that thenuts 24 above and below the compression plate 38 are used to attach thecompression plate to the rod post 20. The compression plate 38 asattached to the rod post 20 is able to transfer compression (downwarddirection) or tension (upward direction) forces to the rod post 20.

Referring to FIGS. 25 and 26B, the compression plate 54 on the bottomplate 12 in the middle wall 5 is threaded to the rod post 20 through thethreaded opening 57. The compression plate 54 as attached to the rodpost 20 is able to transfer compression (downward direction) or tension(upward direction) forces to the rod post 20.

Referring to FIG. 27 , the compression plates 38 on the respectivebottom plates 12 of the middle wall 5 and the upper wall 7 are used totransfer tension forces to the rod post 20. The bridge members 26 andthe compression plate 38 engaging the top plate 14 of the upper wall 7are used to transfer compression forces to the rod post 20. The wall isadvantageously configured to resist upward (tension) and downward(compression) forces.

A bearing plate 60, preferably made of metal, engineered wood, orplastic with compressive strength greater than the compressive strengthof the underlying lumber, is attached to the rod post 20 with the nut24. Tension forces from the bearing plate 60 are effectively transferredto rod post 20.

An anchor 56 is embedded in the bottom portion of the foundation 4 belowthe anchor 18. The anchor rod 21 extends below the anchor 18 and theanchor 56 is operably attached to an end portion of the anchor rod 21.The location of the anchor 56 in the bottom portion of the foundation 4advantageously provides a larger shear cone 65 as compared to a locationof the anchor 56 in the upper portion of the foundation 4. The placementof the anchor 56 advantageously provides a larger shear cone 65 toresist tension forces on the rod post 20. The anchor 56 may be a metalplate, cylindrical body, a nut, or any of the anchors disclosed in U.S.Pat. Nos. 8,943,777, 9,097,001, 9,222,251, 9,416,530, 9,447,574,9,702,139, 9,874,009, hereby incorporated herein by reference.

Referring to FIG. 28 , the compression plates 38 disposed on therespective bottom plates of the middle wall 5 and the upper wall 7 havebeen replaced with the bearing plates 60. A bridge member 58 preferablymade of sawn lumber is disposed in the upper wall 7. Trimmer studs 28extend from the bottom plate 12 to the underside of the bridge member 58and from the top of the bridge member 58 to the top plate 14.Compression forces on the compression plate 38 are transferred to therod post 20 via the nut 24. Tension forces on the bearing plates 60 aretransferred to the rod post 20 via the associated respective nuts 24.The wall is advantageously configured to resist upward (tension) anddownward (compression) forces.

Referring to FIG. 29 , bridge members 58 are disposed in the respectivelower wall 3 and the middle wall 5. The bridge member 58 is preferablymade of sawn lumber. Bearing plates 39 are disposed on the bottom of therespective bridge members 58. The bearing plates 39 are preferablyshorter in length than the bridge members 58. Nuts 24 advantageouslytransfer compression forces on the bearing plates 39 to the rod post 20.Trimmer studs 28 extend from the top of the bridge members 58 to therespective top plates 14 of the lower wall 3 and the middle wall 5.

Referring to FIGS. 30 and 35 , a large diameter solid metal coupling 62attached to the anchor rod 21 and the rod post 20, which extends throughan opening in the bridge member 26. The coupling 62 advantageouslyprovides more loading capacity than the rod post 20. The coupling 62 hasa top edge surface 67 that bears on the underside of the bridge member26. Threaded bores 69 are threadedly attached to the respective ends ofthe rod post 20 and the anchor rod 21. The bridge member 26 ispreferably metal to advantageously provide appropriate loading capacityaround the edge surface 67. The bottom end of the coupling 62 is spacedfrom the bottom plate 12 so that compression forces are advantageouslydirectly transferred to the anchor 18 and the foundation 4.

Referring to FIG. 31 , a bearing plate 64 is disposed between the bottomend of the coupling 62 and the bottom plate 12. The bearing plate 64 ispreferably made of metal, engineered wood, plastic with compressivestrength greater than the compressive strength of the bottom plate 12 todistribute the compression forces from the bottom edge surface of thecoupling 62 over a larger area on the bottom plate than the actualfootprint of the coupling 62.

Referring to FIG. 32 , another large diameter solid metal coupling 62 isdisposed in the lower wall 3 between the bridge member 26 and the topplate 14. A short threaded rod post 20 (see FIG. 35 ) extends across thebridge member 26 to connect the lower and upper couplings 62 together.

Referring to FIG. 33 , a compression plate 38 is placed between the topend of the upper coupling 62 and the top plate 14 in the lower wall 3.Compression forces from the top plate 14 are transferred to thecompression plate 38 and thence to the couplings 62. The lower end ofthe rod post 20 extends across the top plate 14 of the lower wall 3 toconnect with the upper end of the upper coupling 62.

Referring to FIG. 34 , the bridge member 26 in the lower wall 3 isdisposed against the top plate 14 and the coupling 62 extends betweenthe bottom plate 12 and the underside of the bridge member 26. The lowerend of the rod post 20 extends across the bridge member and connects tothe upper end of the coupling 62 (see FIG. 35 ).

Referring to FIG. 35 , the coupling 62 is a solid rod with threadedbores 69 at each end for threaded connecting to the rod post 20 or thetie rod 21. Edge surface 67 around the upper threaded bore 69 provides abearing surface for engaging against the bridge member 26 or thecompression plate 38. The rod post 20 extends through an opening in thebridge member 26. The rod post 20 is not threaded to the bridge member26 so that only compression forces are transferred to the coupling 62.

Referring to FIG. 36 , the large diameter coupling 62 may be hollow ortubular as embodied in the coupling 66 with a through opening 71. Theends of the opening 71 are threaded for attachment to the end of the rodpost 20 or the anchor rod 21. The rod post 20 is not threaded to thebridge member 26 so that only compression forces are transferred to thecoupling 66.

Referring to FIG. 37 , a bridge member 42 with a partly threaded hole 45is disposed in the lower wall 3. The rod post 20 is threadedly attachedto the bridge member 42. Trimmer studs extend from the top of the bridgemember 42 to the underside of the top plate 14.

Referring to FIG. 38 , the bridge member 42 engages the underside of thetop plate 14.

Referring to FIG. 39 , a compression plate 68 with a threaded opening 73is disposed against the underside of the subfloor 36 of the middle wall5. The compression plate 68 is threadedly attached to the rod post 20and supported by the blocking members 48.

Referring to FIG. 40 , the compression plate 68 is disposed on thebottom plate 12 of the middle wall 5. The bottom ends of the studs 6 andthe trimmer studs 28 are supported on the compression plate 68.

Referring to FIG. 41 , one end of the compression plate 68 extendsbeyond the stud bay to allow the compression forces to be spread over alarger area of the bottom plate 12. This is further discussed inco-pending application Ser. No. 16/296,865, hereby incorporated hereinby reference.

Referring to FIG. 42 , the bridge member 42 is disposed in the middlewall 5. Trimmer studs extend from the top of the bridge member 42 to theunderside of the top plate 14 (not shown).

Referring to FIG. 43 , the bridge member 42 engages the bottom of thetop plate 14 of the middle wall 5.

Referring to FIG. 44 , the couplings 62 are installed in the respectivelower wall 3 and the middle wall 5. The rod post 20 extends through thebottom plate 12 and the subfloor 36 of the middle wall 5 and through thetop plate 14 of the lower wall 3 to connect the couplings 62 together.The upper end of the coupling 62 in the upper wall 5 is operablyconnected to the wall, such as with the bridge member 42 as shown inFIG. 43 . The coupling 62 in the upper wall 5 replaces the rod post 20shown in the upper wall

Referring to FIG. 45 , the coupling 62 may be modified as a coupling 70with hexagonal outside surface in cross-section.

Referring to FIGS. 46, 47 and 47 , a coupling 72 is disposed in themiddle wall 5, in addition to the coupling 62 in the lower wall 3. A rodpost 20 extending between the lower wall 3 and middle wall 5 connectsthe couplings 62 and 72 together. The coupling 72 has a rectangularoutside surface in cross-section. The coupling 72 has an upper topsurface 75 which engages the underside of the top plate 14. The threadedbore 69 includes a radial sight hole 77 to provide a visual check on thepenetration of the rod post 20 into the threaded bore 69 to insuremaximum thread engagement.

Referring to FIG. 49 , the studs 6 and the trimmer studs 28 are showndisposed within a half-bay of a normal stud bay. For example, for anormal stud bay of 16 in. width, a half-bay is about 8 in. The half-bayadvantageously provides additional strength to the rod post 20.

Referring to FIG. 50 , the trimmer studs 28 are not attached to theadjacent studs 6. In the middle wall 5, the stud that would have beenlocated in a normal stud bay is not used.

Referring to FIG. 51 , various locations of compression bridge memberswithin a wall are shown. Compression bridge members 76 may be placed onthe respective bottom plates 12 of the respective bottom plates 12 ofthe lower wall 3, the middle wall 5 and the upper wall 7. Similarly, thecompression bridge members 80 may be placed against the underside of thetop plates of the respective lower wall 3, the middle wall 5 and theupper wall 7. The compression bridge members 78 may be placed betweenthe bottom plate 12 and the top plate 14 in the lower wall 3, the middlewall 5 and upper wall 7. The compression bridge members 52 may be placedwithin the joist space between the top plate 14 of the wall below andthe bottom plate 12 of the wall above.

Referring to FIG. 52 , a cross-sectional view of a solid metal bridgemember 85 is shown. A partly threaded opening 86 provides connection tothe rod post 20.

Referring to FIG. 53 , a cross-sectional view of a solid metalcompression plate 54 is shown. The compression plate 54 is showninstalled in the wall in FIG. 19 .

Referring to FIGS. 54 and 55 , the bridge member 50 is shown incross-section in FIG. 54 . The opening 51 is partly threaded forattachment to the rod post 20. The bridge member 50 is shown installedin FIG. 16 . The bridge member 50 is I-shaped, with upper and lowerflanges 79 joined by a web 81. The web 81 is thick enough to accommodatethe opening 51. The threaded portion of the opening 51 is advantageouslydisposed in the lower flange 79.

Referring to FIG. 56 , a compression bridge member 88 made of extrudedmetal is shown. The bridge member 88 includes a matrix of rectangularopenings 89 extending from top to bottom. An opening 87 extends from topto bottom for receiving the rod post 20.

Referring to FIG. 57 , a compression bridge member 90 made of extrudedmetal is disclosed. The bridge member 90 is hollow, defined by arectangular opening 91 extending from one end to the other end and aplurality of rectangular openings 93 on each side of the rectangularopening 91. An opening 95 at the top is aligned with an opening (notshown) at the bottom for receiving the rod post 20.

Referring to FIG. 58 , a solid metal compression bridge member 92 isdisclosed with a threaded opening 96 extending from top to bottom forreceiving the rod post 20.

Referring to FIG. 59 , a hollow metal compression bridge member 94 witha matrix of holes 98 with a common vertical direction extending from topto bottom is disclosed relative to the vertical direction of the rodpost 20. The threaded opening 96 extends from top to bottom forreceiving the rod post 20.

Referring to FIG. 60 , a hollow metal compression bridge member 100 witha matrix of holes 101 with a common horizontal direction, extending fromfront to back is shown relative to the vertical direction of the rodpost 20. The threaded opening 96 extends from top to bottom forreceiving the rod post 20.

Referring to FIG. 61 , a hollow metal compression bridge member 100 witha matrix of threaded holes 103 with a common horizontal direction,extending from left to right is shown relative to the vertical directionof the rod post 20. The threaded opening 96 extends from top to bottomfor receiving the rod post 20.

Referring to FIG. 62 , a hollow metal compression bridge member 100 witha matrix of holes 105 with a common horizontal direction, extending fromleft to right is shown relative to the vertical direction of the rodpost 20. The threaded opening 96 extends from top to bottom forreceiving the rod post 20.

Referring to FIG. 63 , the rod post 20 is shown extending through anunthreaded opening 106 and supporting the compression bridge member 26with the nut 24. With this arrangement, the bridge member 26 is able totransfer compression forces to the rod post 20.

Referring to FIG. 64 , the rod post 20 is shown extending through anunthreaded opening 106 and capturing the compression bridge member 26with the nuts 24. The bridge member 26 is able to transfer compressionand tension forces to the rod post 20.

Referring to FIG. 65 , the rod post 20 is shown threaded to a threadedopening 108 in the compression bridge member 26. The bridge member 26 isable to transfer compression and tension forces to the rod post 20.

Referring to FIG. 66 , the rod post 20 is shown threaded to a threadedbore 110 in the compression bridge member 26. The bridge member 26 isable to transfer compression and tension forces to the rod post 20.

Referring to FIG. 67 , the two rod posts 20 with their respective ends112 and 114 are shown threaded to the threaded opening 108 in thecompression bridge member 26. The bridge member 26 serves to couple thetwo rod posts 20 together. The bridge member 26 is able to transfercompression and tension forces to the rod posts 20.

Referring to FIG. 68 , a tie rod 122 is coupled to the rod post 20within an opening 115 the bridge member 26. The opening 115 ismulti-diameter, with a threaded opening 116 being of larger diameterthan a threaded opening 120. The tie rod 122 is shown threaded tothreaded opening 120 and the rod post 20 to a threaded opening 116 inthe compression bridge member 26. The threaded opening 120 has a smallerdiameter than the threaded opening 116. Between the threaded opening 116and the opening 120 is an unthreaded portion 118 of the opening 115. Thebridge member 26 is able to transfer compression and tension forces tothe rod post 20.

Referring to FIG. 69 , the bridge member 90 is shown installed in thelower wall 3, engaging the underside of the top plate 14. The nut 24transfers compression forces from the bridge member 90 to the rod post20.

Referring to FIG. 70 , the bridge member 88 is shown installed in thelower wall 3, engaging the underside of the top plate 14. The nut 24transfers compression forces from the bridge member 90 to the rod post20.

Referring to FIGS. 71 and 72 , the bridge member 88 is shown attached inthe middle of the wall 3. Screws 124 attach the bridge member 88 to thestuds 6. The nut 24 transfers compression forces from the bridge member88 to the rod post 20. The studs 6 are preferably doubled up to handlethe expected load.

Referring to FIGS. 73 and 74 , the bridge member 88 is shown attached inthe middle of the wall 3. Screws 124 attach the bridge member 88 to thestuds 6. The nut 24 transfers compression forces from the bridge member88 to the rod post 20. The studs 6 are preferably not doubled due to alesser amount of load expected than the arrangement shown in FIGS. 71and 72 .

Referring to FIGS. 75 and 76 , the bridge member 44 is shown attached inthe middle of the wall 3. Screws 124 attach the bridge member 88 to thestuds 6. The nut 24 transfers compression forces from the bridge member88 to the rod post 20. The bearing plate 60, preferably metal withhigher compressive strength than the bridge member 44, advantageouslyspreads the compressive forces over a larger area than the actualfootprint of the nut 24. The rod post 20 extends inside the bridgemember 44 through an opening 123. The bridge member 44 is made ofengineered wood with the wood grain 125 running left to right,perpendicular to the rod post 20 and the direction of the compressionforces.

Referring to FIGS. 77 and 78 , the bridge member 44 has wood grain 127running vertically, parallel to the rod post 20 and the direction of thecompression forces. The bridge member 44 with the wood grain runningparallel to the direction of the compression forces has highercompressive strength than one with the wood grain running perpendicularto the direction of the compression forces.

Referring to FIG. 79 , bridge members 88 are installed in the respectivelower wall 3 and middle wall 5. The arrangement is designed forcompression forces only since the bridge members 88 are not attached tothe rod post 20 to handle tension forces (upward direction).

Referring to FIG. 80 , the bridge members 88 are installed forcompression and tension forces. The nuts 24 above the respective bridgemembers 88 transfer the tension forces from the bridge members 88 to therod post 20. The nuts 24 below the bridge members 88 transfer thecompression forces from the bridge members 88 to the rod post 20.

Referring to FIGS. 81 and 82 , a metal compression bridge member 128 isdisposed inside the wall 3 between the base plate 12 and the top plate14. Trimmer studs 28 extend from the top of the bridge member 128 to theunderside of the top plate 14. A large diameter coupling 130 extendsfrom the anchor rod 21 to the underside of the bridge member 128. Asmaller diameter coupling 132 extends from the top of the bridge member128 to a threaded rod 129. The coupling 132 has a smaller diameter thanthe coupling 130. The coupling 132 extends through an opening 131 tobear on a top end surface 133 of the coupling 130. In this manner,compression forces from the upper rod post 132 are advantageouslytransferred directly to the lower rod post 130. A headless bolt orsetscrew 134 joins the coupling 132 to the coupling 130. There is noconnection between the bridge member 128 and the coupling 132 so thatcompression forces from the coupling 132 are transferred directly to thecoupling 130. Compression forces from the coupling 132 do no transfer tothe bridge member 128. Inspection holes 138 communicate with thethreaded bore holes inside the respective ends of the couplings 130 and132 to advantageously provide a visual check of the engagement of theset screw 134, the anchor rod 21 and the threaded rod 129 in therespective threaded bore holes.

The attachment of the compression plate 38 to the underside of the topplate 14 in the upper wall 7 as shown in FIG. 23 may be modified asshown in FIGS. 83-94 to allow for tensions forces to be transmitted tothe rod post 20.

Referring to FIG. 83 , the compression plate 38 is supported by the topends of the trimmer studs 28 and engages the bottom of the top plate 14.The rod post 20 extends through the unthreaded opening 63 and theopening 142 and is threaded to a bearing plate 140 disposed on the topof the top plate 14. The nut 24 transfers compression forces from thecompression plate 38 to the rod post 20. The bearing plate 140 transferstension forces from the top plate 14 to the rod post 20.

Referring to FIG. 84 , the compression plate 54 is supported by the topends of the trimmer studs 28 and engages the bottom of the top plate 14.The compression plate 54 is threaded to the rod post 20 via the threadedhole 57 and extends through the opening 142 past the top of the topplate 14. The compression plate transfers compression and tension forcesto the rod post 20.

Referring to FIG. 85 , the compression plate 54 is threaded to the rodpost 20 via the threaded hole 57 and extends partway into a blindopening 144 in the top plate 14. The compression plate transferscompression and tension forces to the rod post 20.

Referring to FIG. 86 , the rod post 20 is threaded to the threadedopening 57 in the compression plate 54. The rod post 20 extends throughthe opening 142 and is threaded to the bearing plate 140 disposed on thetop of the top plate 14. The threaded connection of the rod post 20 withthe compression plate 54 transfers compression forces from thecompression plate 54 to the rod post 20. The bearing plate 140 transferstension forces from the top plate 14 to the rod post 20.

Referring to FIGS. 87 and 88 , the rod post 20 is threaded to theopening 57. Nails 126 are used to attach the compression plate 54 to theunderside of the top plate 14. The nails 126 advantageously eliminatethe use of the trimmer studs 28 for stabilizing the compression plate 54when subjected to compression or tension loading.

Referring to FIGS. 89 and 90 , screws 124 are used to attach thecompression plate 54 to the underside of the top plate 14.

Referring to FIG. 91 , one end 135 of the compression plate 54 extendsbeyond the stud 6 in the stud bay to allow the compression forcesexerted by the top end of the stud 6 to be spread over a larger area ofthe top plate 14. The principle is the same as with the ends 49 and 47,shown in FIGS. 20 and 22 .

Referring to FIG. 92 , the compression plate 54 spans only a part 74 ofa typical stud bay.

Referring to FIGS. 93 and 94 , the rod post 20 may be attached to thecompression plate 54 with a coupling nut 146 having a threaded opening137 for attaching to the rod post 20 and a threaded projection 139 forthreading into the threaded opening 57. A shoulder 141 is formed aroundbase of the projection 139 for engaging against the underside of thecompression plate 54. A radial sight hole 148 communicates with theopening 137 to provide a visual check on the required thread engagementof the coupling nut 146 with the rod post 20. The projection 139preferably extends through the thickness of the compression plate. Thecoupling nut 146 transfers both compression and tension forces from thecompression plate 54 to the rod post 20. The coupling nut 146 preferablyhas exterior hexagonal flat surfaces for engaging a wrench or similartool.

Referring to FIGS. 95 and 96 , a compression plate 152 is attached tothe rod post 20 with a sleeve 150 having a threaded opening 143threadedly attached to the rod post 20. A blind hole 154 receives aportion of the sleeve 150. The sleeve 150 is advanced into the blindhole 154 until it engages the bottom surface 145 of the blind hole 154.The radial sight hole 148 communicates with the opening 143 to provide avisual check on the required thread engagement of the sleeve 150 withthe rod post 20. The sleeve 150 transfers compressive forces from thecompression plate 152 to the rod post 20.

Referring to FIGS. 97 and 98 , the sleeve 150 may be long enough and theend 147 of the rod post 20 may be short of or spaced from the undersideof the compression plate 152 to facilitate in connecting the rod post 20to the compression plate 152. As can be understood from the drawings,the sleeve 150 is initially positioned so that the top end of the sleeve150 is some distance from the bottom of the compression plate 152. Thesleeve 150 is then advanced into the blind hole 154 until it engages thebottom surface 145.

Referring to FIGS. 99 and 100 , the sleeve 150 engages the bottomsurface of a compression plate 156, which does not have the blind hole154 found in the compression plate 152. The sleeve 150 is turned aroundthe rod post 20 until the top end of the sleeve 150 presses on theunderside of the compression plate 156. The compression plate 156transfers compression forces to the rod post 20 through contact with thetop end of the sleeve 150.

Referring to FIGS. 101 and 102 , an unthreaded rod post 160 is attachedto an unthreaded anchor rod 170 via an unthreaded coupling 164. Theupper end of the rod post 160 is disposed inside an unthreaded blindhole 162 in the compression bridge member 158. The lower end of the rodpost 160 is disposed inside the coupling 164. The coupling 164 includesa radial internal wall 166. The bottom end of the rod post 160 is insidethe coupling 164 and engages the internal wall 166. The upper end of theanchor rod 170 is disposed inside the coupling 164 and engages the otherside of the internal wall 166. Compression forces transferred from thecompression bridge member 158 to the rod post 160 are transferreddirectly to the anchor rod 170 via the internal wall 166.

Referring to FIGS. 103 and 104 , an unthreaded coupling 168 connects therod post 160 with the anchor rod 170. The coupling 168 is fixedlyattached to either the bottom end of the rod post 160 or the upper endof the anchor rod 170 to hold the coupling 168 in place. The bottomsurface 172 of the rod 160 engages the top surface 174 of anchor rod 170so that compression forces from the rod post 160 are transferreddirectly to the anchor rod 170 without passing through the coupling 168.The coupling 168 merely holds and aligns the rod post 160 with theanchor rod 170.

Referring to FIGS. 105 and 106 , a rod post 178 supports a compressionbridge member 176. The top surface 182 of the upper end of the rod post178 engages the bottom exterior surface of the bridge member 176. Therod post 178 does not penetrate the bridge member 176. The bottom end ofthe rod post 178 includes an unthreaded blind hole 180 that received anupper end of the anchor rod 170. Compression forces from the bridgemember 176 are transferred to the rod post 178 through contact with thetop surface 182. Contact between the top surface of the upper end of theanchor rod 170 and the bottom of the blind hole 180 transfers thecompression forces from the rod post 178 to the anchor rod 170 andthence to the anchor 18 and the foundation 4.

Referring to FIGS. 107 and 108 , a single threaded rod post 186 isthreaded to the compression plate 54. The threaded rod post 186 islarger in diameter than a normal tie rod used to hold a wall againsttension forces and thereby provides the function of a post. The bottomend of the rod post 186 extends through an opening 184 in the bottomplate 12 and bears directly on the top surface of the foundation 4 viathe bottom surface 188 of the rod post 186. Compression forces from thecompression plate 54 are transferred to the rod 186 and thence to thefoundation via the bottom surface 188 bearing on the top surface of thefoundation 4.

Referring to FIGS. 109 and 110 , the threaded rod post 186 is threadedto the compression bridge member 85. The bottom end of the rod post 186extends through an opening 184 in the bottom plate 12 and bears directlyon the top surface of the foundation 4 via the bottom surface 188 of thethreaded rod post 186. Compression forces from the bridge member 85 aretransferred to the rod post 186 and thence to the foundation via thebottom surface 188 bearing on the top surface of the foundation 4. Thethreaded rod post 186 may be in two pieces, joined together by thecoupling 22.

Referring to FIGS. 111 and 112 , the rod post 186 is a single pieceextending from the foundation to the bridge member 85.

Referring to FIG. 113 , the compression bridge member 85 is threaded tothe threaded rod post 186 for transferring compression and tensionforces from the bridge member 85 to the rod post 20. The compressionbridge member 26 is not threaded to the rod post 186. The rod post 186merely extends through an unthreaded opening in the bridge member 26.The nut 24 transfers compression forces from the bridge member 26 to therod post 186. The bottom surface 188 of the rod post 186 bears on thefoundation 14 to transfer compression forces to the foundation.

Referring to FIGS. 114 and 115 , a compression bridge member 190 is usedto join two sections of the rod post 186. The bridge member 190 includesan upper threaded blind hole 191 and a lower threaded blind hole 192 towhich the upper and lower sections of the rod post 186 are threaded,respectively.

Referring to FIG. 116 , a nonthreaded rod post 198 is used to transfercompression forces from a compression bridge member 194 to thefoundation 4. An upper end of the rod post 198 is disposed inside anunthreaded blind hole 196 in the bottom of the bridge member 196. Abottom surface of the rod post 200 bears directly on the foundation 4.

Referring to FIGS. 117 and 118 , a cylindrical metal post 204 supports acompression bridge member 202 and bears directly on the foundation 4. Abottom exterior surface of the bridge member 202 bears on a top surface201 of the post 204. Compression forces from the bridge member 202 aretransferred to the post 204 via the top surface 201 and to thefoundation via the bottom surface 206 of the post 204.

Referring to FIG. 119 , the post 204 may be a hollow or tubular metalpost 208. The bottom surface of the compression bridge member 202 bearson the top edge surface 203 of the post 208. The bottom edge surface ofthe post 210 bears directly on the foundation 4 in transferringcompression forces from the bridge member 202 to the post 208 and thenceto the foundation 4.

Referring to FIGS. 120 and 121 , the post 204 may be a metal post 212with a multi-sided cross-section, such as a hexagonal cross-section. Thebottom surface of the compression bridge member 202 bears on the topsurface 205 of the post 208. The bottom surface 214 of the post 212bears directly on the foundation 4 in transferring compression forcesfrom the bridge member 202 to the post 212 and thence to the foundation4.

Referring to FIGS. 122 and 123 , the post 204 may be a metal post 216with a square or rectangular cross-section. The bottom surface of thecompression bridge member 202 bears on the top surface 207 of the post208. The bottom edge surface 218 of the post 216 bears directly on thefoundation 4 in transferring compression forces from the bridge member202 to the post 216 and thence to the foundation 4.

Referring to FIG. 124 , the post 204 may be a metal post 220 with atapered bottom end portion 222 with a bottom surface 224 that bearsdirectly on the foundation 4 in transferring compression forces from thebridge member 202 to the post 220 and thence to the foundation 4.

Referring to FIGS. 125 and 126 , the post 204 may extend to an upperwall, such as the wall 5. The post 204 extends through the top plate 14of wall 3 and through the bottom plate 12 of wall 5.

Referring to FIGS. 127 and 128 , the bridge member 58 is attached to therod post 20 with a sleeve assembly 225 for transferring compression andtension forces from the bridge member 58 to the rod post 20. The sleeveassembly 225 includes a cylindrical body 226 with an axial unthreadedopening 234 through which the rod post 20 extends. The cylindrical body226 is disposed inside an opening 227 in the bridge member 58. Threadedend portions 232 extend beyond the respective opposite sides of thebridge member 58 and are threaded to respective bearing plates 228,holding the cylindrical body 226 in place. The bearing plates 228 bearon the respective opposite sides of the bridge member 58. Nuts 24 attachthe rod post 20 to the cylindrical body 226 and hence the bridge member58. Compression and tension forces are transferred from the bridgemember 58 to the rod post 20 via the lower nut 24 and the upper nut 24,respectively.

Referring to FIG. 129 , the sleeve assembly 225 is modified as sleeveassembly 229 where the cylindrical body 226 is provided with a threadedaxial opening 238 for threading with the rod post 20. The threadedopening 238 replaces the nuts 24 shown in FIG. 128 .

Referring to FIG. 130 , the sleeve assembly 229 is used as a coupling tojoin together two sections of the rod post 20 with their respective ends240 bearing against each other. In this manner, compression forces fromthe upper rod post 20 are advantageously transferred directly to thelower rod post 20.

Referring to FIG. 131 , the sleeve assembly 229 is modified as sleeveassembly 231 where the cylindrical body 226 is provided with coaxialopenings 246, 248 and 244. The openings 246 and 244 are threaded anddisposed at opposite ends of the cylindrical body 226. The opening 248is unthreaded and has diameter larger than the diameter of the opening246 but smaller than the diameter of the opening 244. The sleeveassembly 231 is used as a coupling to join together a smaller diameterthreaded rod or tie rod 254 and a larger diameter threaded rod 252. Thesleeve assembly is able to transfer compression and tension forces fromthe bridge member 58 to the threaded rods 254 and 252.

The larger diameter rod 252 is sized not for what is required to handlethe expected tension load for the lower wall 3 but for the expectedcompression load to allow the rod 252 to function as a post, allowing alesser number of studs to be used. The rod 254 may be designed only tohandle tension loads, which typically require a smaller diameter rodthan for compression loads.

Referring to FIG. 132 , the ends of the threaded rods 254 and 252 mayengage each other inside the cylindrical body 226 at their respectiveends 250. In this manner, compression forces from the rod 254 areadvantageously transferred directly to the rod 252.

Referring to FIG. 133 , the sleeve assembly 255 may also be used for thebridge member 44, which is made of engineered wood. The bearing plates228 advantageously spread the compression and tension over a larger areaover the underlying or overlying bridge member surface.

Referring to FIG. 134 , the bridge member 256 is the same as the bridgemember 94 (FIG. 59 ), except that the opening 96 is unthreaded. Nuts 24attach the bridge member 256 to the rod post 20 for compression andtension forces transmitted by the trimmer studs 28 and the studs 6.

Referring to FIG. 135 , the bridge member 94 is shown attached to therod post 20 through the threaded opening 96. Compression and tensionforces are transferred from the bridge member 94 to the rod post 20through the threaded connection of the rod post 20 to the bridge member94 at the threaded opening 96.

Referring to FIG. 136 , the bridge member 94 is attached to the studs 6with screws 124. Compression and tension forces from the wall aretransferred to the bridge member 94 via the screws 124.

Referring to FIGS. 137 and 138 , a solid metal bridge member 262 isshown attached to the rod post 20 with the nuts 24. The bridge member262 extends through an unthreaded opening 264. The trimmer studs 28 holdthe bridge member 262 to the wall.

Referring to FIGS. 139 and 140 , the bridge member 58 (FIG. 58 ) made ofsolid metal is shown attached to the trimmer studs 28 and the studs 6.The rod post 20 is threaded to the threaded opening 96 for transfer ofcompression and tension forces from the bridge member 92 to the rod post20.

Referring to FIG. 141 , the bridge member 92 is used to join togethertwo sections of the rod post 20. The ends of the rod posts 20 abut eachother inside the opening 96 at 240. In this manner, compression forcesfrom the upper rod post 20 are advantageously transferred directly tothe lower rod post 20.

Referring to FIG. 142 , the bridge member 92 is modified as bridgemember 266 with coaxial openings 270, 272 and 268. The openings 270 and268 are threaded and disposed at opposite top and bottom of the bridgemember 266. The opening 272 is unthreaded and has diameter larger thanthe diameter of the opening 268 but smaller than the diameter of theopening 270. The bridge member 266 is used as a coupling to jointogether a smaller diameter threaded rod 254 and a larger diameterthreaded rod 252. The bridge member 266 is able to transfer compressionand tension forces the wall to the threaded rods 254 and 252.

Referring to FIGS. 143, 144 and 145 , the bridge member 42 (FIG. 37 ) isshown installed inside the floor joist space between the top plate 14 ofthe wall below and the subfloor 36 of the wall above. The partlythreaded hole 45 includes an unthreaded portion 276 and a threadedportion 274. The rod post 20 is threaded to the lower bridge member 42and the upper bridge member 42 for compression and tension forces. Thelower bridge member 42 is disposed on top of the top plate 14 of thelower wall 3 with the rod post 20 extending through the lower bridgemember 42. The end of the rod post 20 extends partway into the upperbridge member 42.

Although the rod post 20 is shown as one piece, it should be understoodthat it can be of two pieces, joined together inside the bridge member42 with the hole 45 provided with additional thread opposite thethreaded portion 274 or completely threaded, as shown in FIG. 67, 68 or158 .

Referring to FIGS. 146, 147 and 148 , the bridge members 42 shown inFIG. 143 are replaced with the bridge members 44 made of engineeredwood. Each bridge members 44 is attached to the wall by a modifiedsleeve assembly 281, similar to the sleeve assembly 225 shown in FIG.128 , with a modified cylindrical body 278 and an axial opening 285. Theopening 285 has an unthreaded portion 280 and a threaded portion 282.The diameter of the unthreaded portion 280 is preferably larger than thediameter of the threaded portion 282 to allow the rod post 20 to extendpast the threaded portion 282 as shown in FIG. 148 . Recesses 286 arecut into the upper and lower edges of the bridge members 44 forreceiving the respective bearing plates 228 to make them flush with therest of the edges.

Referring to FIG. 149 , the sleeve assembly 231 shown in FIG. 131 may beused instead of the sleeve assembly 281 shown in FIG. 147 . This is toallow the use of the larger diameter rod 252 as a post in the lower wall3. The larger diameter rod 252 is sized not for what is required tohandle the expected tension load for the lower wall 3 but for theexpected compression load to allow the rod 252 to function as a post,allowing a lesser number of studs to be used.

Referring to FIG. 150 the sleeve assembly 231 shown in FIG. 149 ismodified as coupling 284 having a solid cylindrical body 288. Threadedblind holes 292 and 290 are provided at respective ends of thecylindrical body. The diameter of the threaded blind hole 292 ispreferably smaller than the diameter of the threaded blind hole 290 toallow the use of a smaller diameter rod 254 or the larger diameter rod252. The use of the larger diameter rod 252 advantageously allows forsizing of the rod 252 to handle compression forces as a post and lessenthe number of studs to be used.

Referring to FIGS. 151, 152, 153 and 154 , the bridge members 44 shownin FIG. 146 are replaced with the bridge members 58. Each bridge member58 is attached to the wall by the sleeve assembly 225. To accommodatethe use of the nuts 24, oversize openings 293 around the rods 20 areprovided in the top plate 14 and the bottom plate 12 above. The bearingplates 228 may be modified as round bearing plates 298 to provide auniform distribution of the bearing area around the rod posts 20. Sincethe bridge members 58 are made of sawn wood, they have less compressivestrength than engineered wood. Accordingly, providing a larger bearingarea underneath the round bearing plates 298 will reduce the chance ofcrushing the bridge members 58 due to compression and tension forces.The slots or recesses 286 allow the bearing plates 298 and the nuts 24to be disposed above the top plate 14 and below the bottom plate 12.

Referring to FIG. 155 , the bridge members 42 shown in FIG. 143 may bereplaced with the bridge members 94 (FIG. 59 ).

Referring to FIGS. 156, 157 and 158 , the bridge members 42 may bereplaced with bridge members 300 preferably made of solid metal. Eachbridge member 300 is shorter than the width of the stud bay toaccommodate smaller compression and tension forces. The rod post 20extends through an opening 301 with an unthreaded portion 304 and athreaded portion 302. The rod post 20 is threaded to the threadedportion 302. The bridge member 300 has coaxial openings 308, 310 and306. The openings 308 and 306 are threaded and disposed at opposite topand bottom of the bridge member 300. The opening 310 is unthreaded andhas diameter larger than the diameter of the opening 308 but smallerthan the diameter of the opening 306. The bridge member 300 is used as acoupling to join together a smaller diameter threaded rod 254 and alarger diameter threaded rod 252.

Referring to FIGS. 159 and 160 , the sleeve assembly 281 (FIG. 147 ) maybe used outside a bridge member, depending on the expected compressionand tension load for the wall. The sleeve assembly 281 is disposedwithin the floor joist space between the top plate 14 of the wall belowand the subfloor 36 of the wall above. Since the rod post 20 is threadedto the cylindrical body 278, the sleeve assembly 281 is able to transfercompression and tension forces from the wall to the rod post 20 via thebearing plates 228 and cylindrical body 278. The bearing plates 228advantageously spread the forces over the top plate 14 and subfloor 36to reduce crushing of the wood structures.

Referring to FIGS. 161 and 162 , a cylindrical body 303 is disposedinside the floor joist space between the top plate 14 of the wall belowand the subfloor 36 of the wall above. The cylindrical body 303 has anaxial opening 285 with an unthreaded portion 280 and a threaded portion282. The diameter of the unthreaded portion 280 is preferably largerthan the diameter of the threaded portion 282 to allow the rod post 20to extend past the threaded portion 282 as shown in FIG. 162 . The topand bottom ends 305 of the cylindrical body 303 bear on the respectivetop plate 14 and the subfloor 36. Since the rod post 20 is threaded tothe cylindrical body 303, the cylindrical body 303 is able to transfercompression and tension forces from the wall to the rod post 20. Use ofthe cylindrical body 303 will depend on the expected compression andtension forces that will crushing of the wood structures by the bottomand top ends 305.

Referring to FIG. 163 , the cylindrical body 303 is modified ascylindrical body 312 with coaxial openings 316, 318 and 314. Theopenings 316 and 314 are threaded and disposed at opposite ends of thecylindrical body 312. The opening 318 is unthreaded and has diameterlarger than the diameter of the opening 316 but smaller than thediameter of the opening 314. The cylindrical body 312 is used as acoupling to join together a smaller diameter threaded rod 254 and alarger diameter threaded rod 252. The cylindrical body 312 is able totransfer compression and tension forces from top plate 14 and subfloor36 to the threaded rods 254 and 252.

Referring to FIGS. 164 and 165 , the cylindrical body 226 of the sleeveassembly 225 extends across the floor joist space through openings 307in the top plate 14, the subfloor 36 and the bottom plate 12. Thecylindrical body 226 is attached to the top plate 14 and the bottomplate 12 with the respective bearing plates 298 threaded to therespective threaded ends 232. The rod post 20 extends through theopening 234 and attached to the cylindrical body 226 with the nuts 24.Compression and tension forces are transferred from the top plate 14 andthe bottom plate 12 to the rod post 20 via the lower nut 24 and theupper nut 24, respectively.

Referring to FIGS. 166 and 167 , CLT floor panels 32 are disposedbetween respective top plates 14 and bottom plates 12. The rod post 20is attached to the CLT floor panels 32 with the sleeve assembly 281 (seeFIG. 147 ). The cylindrical body 278 is disposed across the thickness ofthe CLT floor panel 32 in an opening 321. Recesses 286 are cut into theupper and lower surfaces of the floor panel 32 for receiving therespective bearing plates 228 to make them flush with the rest of thesurfaces. The lower recess 286 is larger than the actual size of thebearing plate 228 to provide room when screwing the bearing plate 228 tothe threaded into the lower threaded end portion 232. The opening 285has an unthreaded portion 280 and a threaded portion 282. The diameterof the unthreaded portion 280 is preferably larger than the diameter ofthe threaded portion 282 to allow the rod post 20 to extend into thenext sleeve assembly 281 disposed in the upper CLT floor panel 32 in theupper wall 7 where the end of the rod post 20 is threaded to thethreaded portion 282 of the opening 285, similar to what is shown inFIG. 147 . The sleeve assembly 281 is able to transfer compression andtension forces from the floor panels 32 to the rod posts 20.

Referring to FIG. 168 , the sleeve assembly 281 is modified as sleeveassembly 319 where the cylindrical body 320 is provided with coaxialopenings 322, 324 and 325. The openings 322 and 325 are threaded anddisposed at opposite ends of the cylindrical body 320. The opening 324is unthreaded and has a diameter smaller than the diameter of theopenings 322 and 325 so that a shoulder 327 provides a stop for the endsof the rod posts 20. The diameters of the openings 322 and 325 arepreferably the same. The sleeve assembly 319 is used as a coupling tojoin together two sections of rod posts 20. The sleeve assembly 319 isable to transfer compression and tension forces from the floor panel 32to the rod posts 20.

Referring to FIG. 169 , the sleeve assembly 231 (see FIG. 149 ) may alsobe used. The sleeve assembly 231 allows for connecting a smallerdiameter tie rod 254 for loading situations where the expectedcompression forces can be handled by the smaller diameter tie rod 254.The sleeve assembly 231 is used as a coupling to join together the rod254 to the rod post 252. The sleeve assembly 231 is able to transfercompression and tension forces from the floor panel 32 to the rods 254and 252.

Referring to FIGS. 170 and 171 , a metal body such as a bearing plate326 is used to connect the CLT floor panel 32 to the rod post 20. Thebearing plate 326 is preferably embedded in a cavity in the CLT floorpanel 32 during manufacture. A threaded opening 328 is aligned with anopening 329 through the thickness of the panel 32 to allow the rod post20 to be threaded to the bearing plate 326 to connect the rod post 20 tothe bearing plate 326. The bearing plate 326 is able to transfercompression and tension forces from the floor panel 32 to the rod post20.

Referring to FIGS. 172 and 173 , a metal body such as a cylindricalcoupling 330 is disposed inside a cavity 336 in the CLT floor panel 32.The coupling 330 has a smaller diameter threaded opening 334 and acoaxial larger diameter threaded opening 332. The openings 329 in thefloor panel 32 allow the smaller diameter rod 254 to be threaded to thethreaded opening 334 and the larger diameter rod 252 to the largerdiameter threaded opening 332. The cylindrical coupling 330 is embeddedin the CLT floor panel 32 during manufacture. The cylindrical coupling330 has opposite top 337 and bottom surface 339 that provide bearingsurfaces for resisting compression and tension forces and transferringthe same to the rods 254 and 252 through the threaded connections.

Referring to FIG. 174 , a body such as a cylindrical coupling 338 isdisposed on the top plate 12. The coupling 338 has a smaller diameterthreaded opening 342 and a coaxial larger diameter threaded opening 340.An opening 346 through the top plate 14, the CLT floor panel 32 and thetop plate 12 allow the larger diameter rod 252 to be threaded to thethreaded opening 340 and the smaller diameter rod 254 to the smallerdiameter threaded opening 342. A sight hole 344 communicating with thethreaded opening 340 provides a visual check on the penetration of therod 252 into the threaded opening 340 to insure maximum threadengagement. A threaded body 343 is threaded to the rod 252 to bearagainst the bottom of the top plate 14. The threaded body 343 may be acircular plate 298 such as shown in FIG. 154 or a rectangular bearingplate 228 such as shown in FIG. 160 . The cylindrical coupling 338 has abottom surface 347 and the threaded body a top surface 349 that providebearing surfaces for resisting compression and tension forces andtransferring the same to the rods 254 and 252 through the threadedconnections.

Referring to FIG. 175 , a round solid metal post 204 bears on afoundation made of a wood beam 348. Compression forces are transferredfrom the post 204 to the wood beam 348 via the bottom surface 350 of thepost 204.

Referring to FIGS. 176 and 177 , a metal bearing plate 352 is disposedon the wood beam 348 for transferring compression forces from the rodpost 20 to the wood beam 348. The bearing plate 352 has a threadedopening 354 for attaching to the rod post.

Referring to FIGS. 178 and 179 , a metal bearing plate 356 is disposedon the wood beam 348 for transferring compression forces from the rodpost 20 to the wood beam 348. The bearing plate 356 has an unthreadedopening 358 for receiving an end portion of the rod post 20. A nut 24 isattached to the end portion of the rod post 20 to hold the rod post 20in place from compression forces. The bottom of the rod post 20 is abovethe wood beam 348.

Referring to FIG. 180 , a blind hole 360 in the wood beam is provided.The end portion 362 of the rod post 20 extends into the hole 360.

Referring to FIG. 181 , the bearing plate 352 is used. The end portion362 of the rod post 20 extends into the blind hole 360. The rod post 20is threaded to the bearing plate 352 for transferring compression forcesfrom the rod post 20 to the wood beam 348 via the bearing plate 352.

Referring to FIGS. 182 and 183 , a metal bearing plate 364 is disposedon the wood beam 348 for transferring compressing forces from the rodpost 20 to the wood beam 348. The bearing plate 364 has an unthreadedblind hole 366 for receiving an end portion of the rod post. The bottomof the rod post 20 bears on the floor 369 of the blind hole 366 totransfer compression forces from the rod post 20 to the wood beam 348via the bearing plate 364.

Referring to FIG. 184 , a metal bearing plate 370 is disposed on thewood beam 348 for transferring compressing forces from the metal roundpost 204 to the wood beam 348. The bottom surface 372 of the post 204bears on the bearing plate 370. The bearing plate 370 advantageouslyspreads the compression forces over a larger surface area of the woodbeam 348 than the bottom surface 372 of the post without the bearingplate 370.

Referring to FIGS. 185 and 186 , the bearing plate 352, which isthreaded to the rod post 20, is attached to the wood beam 348 withscrews 124 to advantageously allow the rod post 20 to also handletension forces in addition to compression forces.

Referring to FIG. 187 , metal bearing plates 352 with threaded openings354 are disposed respectively on the top surface and bottom surface ofthe wood beam 348. The rod post 20 extends through an opening 353through the wood beam 348 from the top surface to the bottom surface.The bearing plates 352 are threaded to the rod post 20 and bear on therespective top and bottom surfaces of the wood beam 348 to securelyattach the rod post 20 to the wood beam 348. The bearing plates 352advantageously spread the compression and tension forces over a largersurface area of the wood beam 348. The rod post 20 is threaded to thebearing plates 352 for transferring compression and tension forces fromthe rod post 20 to the wood beam 348 via the bearing plates 352.

Referring to FIG. 188 , metal bearing plates 356 with unthreadedopenings 358 are disposed respectively on the top and bottom of the woodbeam 348. The rod post 20 extends through an opening 353 through thewood beam 348. The bearing plates 356 are attached to the rod post 20with the nuts 24 and bear on the respective top and bottom surfaces ofthe wood beam 348 to securely attach the rod post 20 to the wood beam348. The bearing plates 356 advantageously spread the compression andtension forces over a larger surface area of the wood beam 348. The nuts24 are threaded to the rod post 20 to transfer compression and tensionforces from the rod post 20 to the wood beam 348 via the bearing plates356.

Referring to FIGS. 189 and 190 , the nuts 24 shown in FIG. 188 may bereplaced with welding 376 to attach the rod post 20 to the bearingplates 356.

Referring to FIG. 191 , a rod post 382 includes a smaller diameter endportion 380 that extends the wood beam 348. A circumferential shoulder378 bears on the upper bearing plate 356. Welding 376 attaches the lowerbearing plate 356 to the end portion 380. Compression forces on the rodpost 382 are transferred to the wood beam 348 through contact betweenthe shoulder 378 and the upper bearing plate 356. Tension forces on therod post 382 are transferred to the wood beam 348 through the welding376 between the end portion 380 and the lower bearing plate 356.

Referring to FIG. 192 , the shoulder 378 bears directly on the wood beam348. The smaller diameter end portion 380 is threaded to the bearingplate 352, which bears on the bottom surface of the wood beam 348.Compression forces on the rod post 382 are transferred to the wood beam348 through contact between the shoulder 378 and the wood beam 348.Tension forces on the rod post 382 are transferred to the wood beam 348through the lower bearing plate 356 and to the wood beam 348.

Referring to FIGS. 193, 194, 195 and 196 , solid metal rod post 20extends through an opening 392 and bears on a foundation made of a steelI-beam 386 with upper and lower flanges 390 connected with web 391. Thebottom of the rod post 20 bears on the upper flange 390, preferablycentered over the web 391. Compression forces are transferred from thepost 20 to the steel I-beam 386 via the bottom surface 388 of the post20. The rod post 20 is unthreaded or threaded.

Referring to FIGS. 197, 198 and 199 , the rod post 20 is attached to theflange 390 with welding 394. An oversize opening 396 in the bottom plate12 allows access to the bottom end of the rod post 20 during welding.Compression forces on the rod post 20 are transferred to the steelI-beam 386 through contact with the bottom surface of the rod post 20and welding. Tension forces on the rod post 382 are transferred to thesteel I-beam 386 through the welding 394 between the rod post 20 and thesteel I-beam 386. The rod post 20 is unthreaded or threaded.

Referring to FIGS. 200, 201 and 202 , a cylindrical body 400 with anaxial opening 401 is disposed in an opening 403 in the top plate 12. Thecylindrical body 400 receives an end portion of the rod post 20. Thecylindrical body is attached to the rod post 20 with welding 398 aroundthe opening 401. The cylindrical body 400 is attached to the flange 390with welding 402 at the bottom of the cylindrical body 400. The bottom404 of the rod post 20 may bear on the flange 390 (FIG. 201 ) or bespaced a distance 406 above the flange 390 (FIG. 202 ).

Referring to FIGS. 203, 204 and 205 , the rod post 20 extends throughthe opening 392 into an unthreaded opening 408 in the top flange 390.The opening 408 is preferably centered over the web 391. The bottomsurface 410 of the rod post 20 bears on the bottom of the opening 408.The rod post 20 may be threaded (FIG. 203 ) or unthreaded (FIG. 204 ).The opening 408 may be a threaded opening 412 to which the threaded rod20 is screwed (FIG. 205 ) to also allow tension forces in addition tocompression forces to be transferred to the steel I-beam 386.

Referring to FIG. 206 , an oversize opening 413 allows the nut 24 tobear on the upper flange 390. The nut 24 is threaded to the end portionof the rod post 20. The end portion of the rod post 20 extends throughthe opening 413 and into the opening 408. The bottom surface of the rodpost 20 is spaced from the bottom of the opening 408. Compression forcesfrom the rod post 20 are transferred to the steel I-beam 386 throughcontact of the nut 24 with the upper flange 390 of the steel I-beam 386.

Referring 207, an opening or cutout 415 is provided in the web 391 belowthe opening 408 to accommodate the lower nut 24. The cutout 415communicates with the opening 408. The cutout 415 is wider than thediameter of the opening 408 to provide a flange 417 around the opening408. The rod post 20 is attached to the steel I-beam 386 with the uppernut 24 and the lower nut 24 bearing on the upper flange 390. Compressionforces from the rod post 20 are transferred to the steel I-beam 386through contact of the nut 24 with the upper flange 390 of the steelI-beam 386. Tension forces on the rod post 20 are transferred to thesteel I-beam 386 through the lower nut 24 bearing on the underside ofthe upper flange 390.

Referring to FIGS. 208, 209 and 210 , a cylindrical body 414 with anaxial threaded opening 415 is disposed in the opening 403 in the topplate 12. The cylindrical body 414 receives an end portion of the rodpost 20. The cylindrical body 414 is attached to the rod post 20 throughthe threaded opening 415. The cylindrical body 414 is attached to theflange 390 with welding 416 at the bottom of the cylindrical body 414.The bottom 418 of the rod post 20 may bear on the flange 390 (FIG. 209 )or be spaced a distance 420 above the flange 390 (FIG. 210 ).Compression forces from the rod post 20 are transferred to the steelI-beam 386 through contact of the cylindrical body 414 with the upperflange 390 of the steel I-beam 386. Tension forces on the rod post 20are transferred to the steel I-beam 386 through the welding 416 betweenthe cylindrical body 414 and the upper flange 390.

It should be understood that compression plates and bridge members areprovide the same function of transferring tension or compression forcesfrom the wall to the rod post. They only differ by their thickness.Bearing plates are thinner and may be shorter than the compressionplates and may be used with bridge members made of sawn lumber to spreadthe forces over a larger area than the bearing area of a fastener, suchas a nut to connect the bridge member to the rod post, to reducecrushing the sawn lumber with the nut.

While this invention has been described as having preferred design, itis understood that it is capable of further modification, uses and/oradaptations following in general the principle of the invention andincluding such departures from the present disclosure as come withinknown or customary practice in the art to which the invention pertains,and as may be applied to the essential features set forth, and fallwithin the scope of the invention or the limits of the appended claims.

I claim:
 1. A reinforced building wall, comprising: a) a foundation and an anchor rod anchored to the foundation; b) a first stud wall disposed above the foundation; c) a cross-laminated timber (CLT) floor panel supported by the first stud wall; d) a second stud wall disposed above the first stud wall and supported by the CLT floor panel; and e) a rod post operably connected to the anchor rod and the CLT floor panel to transfer downward forces from the CLT floor panel to the rod post and the anchor rod to put the rod post and the anchor rod in compression.
 2. The reinforced building wall as in claim 1, wherein the rod post is operably attached to a body disposed inside the CLT floor panel.
 3. The reinforced building wall as in claim 2, wherein: a) the body includes a central threaded opening; b) the rod post terminates inside a first end portion of the central threaded opening; and c) a rod is threaded to a second end portion opposite to the first end portion of the central threaded opening.
 4. The reinforced building wall as in claim 3, wherein the threaded central opening includes a larger diameter at the first end portion than at the second end portion.
 5. The reinforced building wall as in claim 2, wherein the body includes a bearing plate.
 6. The reinforced building wall as in claim 2, wherein the body includes a cylindrical body.
 7. The reinforced building as in claim 2, wherein: a) a first bearing plate is attached to one end of the body to bear on a lower portion of the CLT floor panel; b) a second bearing plate is attached to another end opposite to the one end of the body, the second bearing plate to bear on an upper portion of the CLT floor panel; and c) the rod post is threaded to the body.
 8. The reinforced building wall as in claim 2, wherein the rod post extends through the body.
 9. The reinforced building wall as in claim 2, wherein the body is below a top surface and above a bottom surface of the CLT floor panel.
 10. The reinforced building wall as in claim 9, wherein the body includes a threaded opening and the rod post is threaded to the threaded opening.
 11. The reinforced building wall as in claim 10, wherein the body includes cylindrical body.
 12. The reinforced building wall as in claim 10, wherein the body includes a bearing plate.
 13. The reinforced building wall as in claim 10, wherein: a) the rod post terminates inside one end the body; and b) a rod is threaded to another end opposite to the one end of the body.
 14. The reinforced building wall as in claim 1, wherein: a) the first stud wall includes a first top plate supporting the CLT floor panel; b) the second stud wall includes a second bottom plate supported on the CLT floor panel; c) a first body bearing on an underside of the first top plate, the first body including a first threaded opening; d) a second body bearing on the second bottom plate, the second body including a second threaded opening; and e) the rod post extends through the top plate, the CLT floor panel and the second bottom plate, the rod post is threaded to the first body and the second body.
 15. The reinforced building wall as in claim 14, wherein the first body includes a bearing plate.
 16. The reinforced building wall as in claim 14, wherein the second body includes a coupler.
 17. The reinforced building wall as in claim 16, wherein the coupler includes a sight hole.
 18. The reinforced building wall as in claim 16, wherein the second threaded opening is multi-diameter. 